In a bid to build awareness about Swedish design as well as environmental conservation, the Embassy of Sweden, in partnership with Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU), is hosting the ‘Ung Svensk Form (Young Swedish Design)’ exhibition in Hyderabad. The centrepiece of Swedish Design Weeks, the design show was inaugurated on Wednesday at Nehru Art Gallery by Mohammad Mahmood Ali, the deputy chief minister of Telangana; H.E. Klas Molin, the ambassador of Sweden to India; and Prof Dr N. Kavita Daryani Rao, the vice-chancellor of JNAFAU.
Students checking out one of the art installations
Based primarily on the themes of sustainability, innovation and circular economy, Young Swedish Design is a juried award and travelling exhibition which intends to educate the world at large about the roots of fresh and innovative Swedish design. From images to products and from recycled goods to unisex fashion dealing with migrant crisis, the exhibition displays 19 state-of-the-art design pieces. Apart from these, the students of JNAFAU and NIFT have also showcased some of their sustainable design work here.
Students checking out small artifacts at display
Elaborating on the importance of sustainable living in our times, Klas Molin says, “The design exhibition is not just about aesthetics; through the prism of innovation, it highlights practical and sustainable solutions to some of our global social and environmental challenges. We are happy to be able to showcase some of the latest developments in Swedish design alongside sustainable designs created by the JNAFAU and NIFT students, covering the whole design scene from fashion to crafts to architecture.”
H.E. Klas Molin, the ambassador of Sweden to India
In agreement with his train of thought, Prof Kavita says, “India draws its strength and unique position in the world, in no small measure, from its vast storehouse of traditional knowledge. The varied forms of arts and crafts, building technology, textiles and medicine are all deeply rooted in the use of local, natural and indigenous materials. This inheritance has made up-cycling, recycling and sustainability a way of life for many Indians even today.”
Notably, the exhibition has already toured Hong Kong and Seoul, and in India, Hyderabad is its third stop after Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
